G.R.L’s singer and former X Factor contestant Simone Battle has died at the age of 25.

Simone Battle’s death was confirmed in a joint statement from Reign Deer Entertainment, Robin Antin, Kemosabe Records, and RCA Records.

The statement read: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the loss of Simone Battle of G.R.L.

“Simone was an exceptional young talent and human being, and we are all devastated to learn of her passing.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones at this time.”

G.R.L’s singer and former X Factor contestant Simone Battle has died at the age of 25 (photo Getty Images)

The cause of Simone Battle’s death is not yet known and there’s so far been no word from her bandmates. She was found dead at her West Hollywood home.

Simone Battle was originally part of the line-up for the new version of the Pussycat Dolls, put together by the Dolls’ original creator Robin Antin.

However, after a few line-up changes, that group eventually became G.R.L.

G.R.L. is on course to enter the top five of the UK’s Official Chart with their single Ugly Heart.

In 2011, Simone Battle appeared on the first series of The X Factor USA, performing in front of judges including Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul.

She progressed to the live finals of the show.

Cheryl Cole’s among those who’ve paid tribute. She tweeted: “Such tragically sad news to hear of the passing of Simone Battle. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones.”

Another tribute came from former member of the Pussycat Dolls Kimberley Wyatt who tweeted: “In disbelief… My heart hurts for her friends, family, and bandmates.”

One of Simone Battle’s friends, Derek Butler, posted a picture of her on Instagram with the comment: “I’m still in shock and in disbelief to have confirmed the death of my childhood friend Simone Battle.

Saturday night’s launch of The X Factor 2013 in the UK certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to unearthing a wealth of incredible new talent.

One of the most emotional performances of the night came from 17-year-old student Hannah Barrett, who broke down in tears as she spoke to judges Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh.

Hannah Barrett said: “I wanna be the UK’s sweetheart. I like the A-levels I’m doing at school, it’s OK. I work in Gregg’s part-time, but my dream has always been to be a singer.

“My dad passed away a couple of years ago and my dad was my inspiration from a young age with music. My mum is supportive of me but we have a tough relationship.

Hannah Barrett broke down in tears as she spoke to X Factor judges

“Me and my mum don’t really get along, eventually I was kicked out and so basically I live in accommodation for young teenagers. I’m happy being there but it’s not home.”

After moving Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger to tears with her touching rendition of Read All About It, Sharon hugged her warmly, telling her: “I want you to do something for me. I want you to work on your performance.

“It’s tough competition and we want you to get through to the next round. You moved me, I love you. Your dad would be proud of you, you’ve got old school soul.”

Nicole Scherzinger added: “I’m speechless, you’re gorgeous when you sing. I’m blown away by you. Honey, I believe you. You are going all the way. This is just the beginning for you.”

Gary Barlow gushed: “It’s one thing to sing a song but it’s another to tell a story through your performance. I felt the pain within you and it really touched me.”

Also impressing were Alejandro Fernandez, 17, and Tom Mann, 19, a part-time football coach for kids.

Simon Cowell tried to avoid questions about his impending fatherhood at an ill-timed X Factor press panel on Thursday.

“Unfortunately, I have to keep this private for the moment. It’s just one of those things, but thank you anyway,” said Simon Cowell, 53, at the Fox panel at the Television Critics Association meeting in Beverly Hills.

When a cheeky reporter asked: “The new baby. Were you as surprised by the news as we were?”

“I really have to be sensitive here because there are a lot of people’s feelings involved.”

When asked if he could reveal how he’s feeling, Simon Cowell candidly replied: “I would love to, but I have to respect a lot of other people’s feelings.”

Unable to get an enlightening response from Simon Cowell, one determined reporter asked his X Factor colleagues Kelly Rowland, Paulina Rubio and Demi Lovato how they thought he would be as a father.

“No comment,” said Demi Lovato, who is no stranger to public controversy herself, which quickly silenced the questioning.

Later speaking to magazine PEOPLE, Kelly Rowland, who was seen attempting to lighten the mood by playfully plucking out grey hairs from Simon Cowell’s head, said: “I think that Simon has always been a very classy guy, he’s always been a very respected guy, and he’s going to be a great father.”

Paulina Rubio, who just joined the show as a judge said: “He didn’t tell me anything yet, but I will support him if it is true.”

Demi Lovato added: “There’s no reason for me to talk about his person life, and I’m here about talk about the show.”

But she was very complimentary about show boss Simon Cowell. She said: “Simon is very tough but off camera he’s like a teddy bear. He has a big heart.”

“I’ve learned so much from him. I think he puts up a front with the rest of the world to be this bad guy but you get to know him he’s a really, really sweet person.”

Simon Cowell, who is worth an estimated $350 million, insisted he will do everything he can to support and provide for his child after the news broke on Wednesday that 36-year-old Lauren Silverman is expecting.

It has now emerged that Lauren Silverman’s husband, Andrew, has cited Simon Cowell in divorce papers. The move, clearly designed to embarrass him, could potentially force him to reveal details of the alleged affair in court.

Lauren Silverman is accused in the papers of adultery with Simon Cowell and of being “cruel and inhuman” towards her husband.

In a statement Andrew Silverman said: “My top priority is protecting my seven year old son while working to resolve all outstanding issues with my wife. Hopefully people can respect the interest of our child during this process.”

Lauren Silverman, who is expecting Simon Cowell’s baby, was accused of being a “gold digger” on Thursday.

New York socialite Lauren Silverman, 36, has allegedly issued Simon Cowell with a string of outrageous demands, telling him she wants marriage and her own reality TV show before she will allow him access to the child.

Lauren Silverman smiled for the cameras as she made her first public appearance since news of the unplanned pregnancy broke on Wednesday morning.

In an official statement later that day, Lauren Silverman said: “I am committed to sorting things out with Andrew as amicably as possible to ensure the well-being of our son. I would hope for some space and privacy in order to work through this.”

Her lawyers, Robert Cohen and Bernard Clair of Cohen Clair Lans Greifer & Thorpe LLP, added: “We are working to resolve this situation in a fair and reasonable way that protects the best interests of our client and her son.”

Her husband, Andrew Silverman stated: “My top priority is protecting my seven year old son while working to resolve all outstanding issues with my wife. Hopefully people can respect the interest of our child during this process.”

Lauren Silverman had been holed up with her mother Carole and son Adam at the $4 million family home in the Hamptons, New York.

The socialite, who is said to be ten weeks pregnant with Simon Cowell, emerged to walk her son to his school bus wearing a white linen blouse which seemed to hint at a slight bump underneath.

She later stepped out in a black clinging linen dress.

Meanwhile Simon Cowell, 53, faced the press for the first time since the news broke at a television studio 2,500 miles away in Los Angeles.

The music mogul refused to answer questions about the baby at an ill-timed X Factor press conference, instead calling the matter “private” and insisting the matter was “sensitive”.

It has emerged that Andrew Silverman has cited Simon Cowell in divorce papers.

Lauren Silverman has allegedly issued Simon Cowell with a string of outrageous demands before she will allow him access to the child

The move, clearly designed to embarrass Simon Cowell, could potentially force him to reveal details of the alleged affair in court.

Lauren Silverman is accused in the papers of adultery with Simon Cowell and of being “cruel and inhuman” towards her husband.

And a friend claimed that the Silvermans were far from being an “estranged couple”, as has been suggested.

It is claimed that Andrew Silverman, a real-estate developer and millionaire casino owner, recently upgraded his wife’s engagement ring with a ten-carat diamond.

Yesterday Lauren Silverman was accused of issuing Simon Cowell with a string of demands – but the claims made against her are alleged to have come from Cowell’s supporters, so could be designed to win favor for the multi-millionaire.

A source claimed: “Lauren is now going around telling people that she will be in charge of all his [Simon Cowell’s] properties around the world and has demanded a country home in the Cotswolds.”

She has also threatened not to allow him access to the child unless he marries her.

“Lauren has also started to push Simon to turn her into a reality TV star. She wants her own show like the Kardashians and has already apparently started filming the pregnancy.

“Simon is horrified and has said no. He [Simon Cowell] is already talking about creating separate baby wings in all his homes for Lauren and the baby.

“His mansions are huge and he will effectively be allowed to carry on with his own life without disruption.

“He has no problems looking after his heir apparent – that is all he is interested in and he will ensure Lauren has a roof over her head in order to raise his child.”

Others around Simon Cowell, who is believed to be worth $350 million, claimed a wedding was not on the cards.

One said: “Simon does NOT, NOT, NOT plan to get married to her [Lauren Silverman]. Simon is gearing up for a potentially ugly child support battle.

“He tried desperately to reach an agreement with Lauren before it went public but she surprised Simon and leaked the news.

“Simon was hoping to reach a financial agreement with her and then release a joint statement but Lauren is savvy and wants to be famous and when he refused her opening demands for marriage she leaked it.”

Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman are said to have first met on holiday in Barbados around seven years ago, and struck up a relationship around 12 months ago.

Even his closest friends were unaware that they were seeing one another.
Simon Cowell could be hauled in front of a US court to give evidence about his affair with his former friend’s wife after being listed on court papers as co-respondent.

Lauren Silverman posted a picture of them together to her Instagram page cuddled up together during a holiday.

Along with the picture she wrote: “Me and my lil Simey monster #simoncowell x.”

Andrew Silverman, 37, is understood to have learned his wife was expecting Simon Cowell’s baby only last month. He filed the papers at Manhattan’s Supreme Court on July 15.

New York is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that couples do not need a reason to end their marriage.

But Andrew Silverman is said to feel so betrayed by his wife and his long-term friend that he has filed for a divorce on the grounds of adultery in an attempt to shame the pair in public.

This is heavily discouraged by lawyers because of the huge costs and the often bitter fallout it causes between couples.

Under US law, Andrew Silverman is required to prove his wife’s infidelity, even if she and Simon Cowell admit to the affair. It means Simon Cowell would have to reveal evidence of his meetings with Lauren Silverman, such as hotel receipts and text messages.

Simon Cowell would also have to take a paternity test to show whether or not the baby was his. If adultery is proved, he will be asked to foot Andrew Silverman’s legal bills, which could come to more than $300,000.

According to new reports, Simon Cowell is now worried about the sponsorship deals he has for his various shows.

Nicole Scherzinger, 34, and Lewis Hamilton, 28, who went public with their romance back in 2007, are believed to have ended their relationship as their busy work schedules meant they just didn’t get to see each other.

A source said: “Nicole is just so heartbroken and completely devastated.”

The sad news comes just a matter of weeks after Lewis Hamilton hinted that he was planning to propose to Nicole Scherzinger.

Lewis Hamilton said: “We’ve been together for five years, which is quite a milestone really. But hopefully in the near future. Maybe before we get to six years.”

Nicole Scherzinger has regularly been seen supporting Hamilton Lewis at his various Grand Prix commitments, but admitted previously she is only there for her beau, rather than knowing anything about the sport as a whole.

She said: “I only go to a Grand Prix to support Lewis. I am in awe of Formula One because there is so much money, technology and talent, but as for the racing, it really is like trying to understand rocket science when I’m there, trackside.

Nicole Scherzinger and Lewis Hamilton are believed to have ended their relationship as their busy work schedules meant they just didn’t get to see each other

“For me there’s only ever one winner and a lot of people would agree with me on that – Lewis is the best.”

But since recommitting to the X Factor this year, Nicole Scherzinger has been kept busy with auditions in locations including Glasgow, Dublin and London, while Lewis Hamilton has been concentrating on his racing career.

The last time the couple were pictured together was at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on June 10th.

Since then, Nicole Scherzinger has gone solo at various events including Wimbledon last week and the Summer Music Festival in Rome, Italy, where she put on a stunning performance last week.

Nicole Scherzinger and Lewis Hamilton met at the European Music Awards in Munich in November 2007, before going public at the Monaco Grand Prix six months later.

In July 2011 there was unconfirmed speculation the couple had become engaged.

Nicole Scherzinger and Lewis Hamilton briefly split in January 2010 when they had been together for 20 months, before later reconciling.

The couple then split again in late 2011, before giving their relationship another go in early 2012.

Nicole Scherzinger is expected to make an appearance at the X Factor auditions in Cardiff later this week.

JLS have announced that they are splitting up after five years together.

In a statement on their official website the former British X Factor boy band thanked their fans.

“We wanted to make sure that you heard it from the four of us, that we have decided to bring our time as a band to an end,” the statement said.

The band also said they would put together a final album, Goodbye; The Greatest Hits, with a new single to coincide with a farewell tour.

“Goodbye; The Greatest Hits Tour will be the last time that we will perform together as a four and we want to make sure that this tour is the best ever and that we end on a high!

“We will always remain brothers and friends and we will always be your boys.

“Thanks to all of you guys, your support, your dedication and you have changed our lives forever. We wouldn’t be where we are today without you.”

JLS have announced that they are splitting up after five years together

JLS first appeared on The X Factor in 2008 finishing second to Alexandra Burke and are made up of Oritse Williams, Marvin Humes, J.B. Gill and Aston Merrygold.

In their time together they have had five number one singles and released four studio albums.

JLS’s debut album is the third biggest-selling X Factor debut ever behind Leona Lewis and One Direction.

One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson tweeted: “Sad to hear about JLS. Wish them all the best of luck in what they go on to do.”

The band will continue to work on the JLS Foundation after they spilt up. The charity was started three years ago.

“As always we will continue to support each other and we hope you will enjoy watching us grow individually in our new chapters going forward. We want to look at this final year as a celebration of all that we have achieved together.

“We hope you can look back and remember all the great moments that you have been responsible for.”

J.B. tweeted to fans: “I also know you will all take this in different ways but we will always be there for you guys even though we are no longer a group!!J x.

“Roll on the greatest hits tour!! The next chapter has begun, watch this space…hehe J x.”

Over their career, JLS have sold more than six million records, won two Brit awards in 2010 and five Mobo awards.

Marvin Humes, 28, married Saturdays singer Rochelle Wiseman last year and they are expecting their first child.

The group launched their own range of condoms and Aston Merrygold is a judge on Sky’s Got To Dance series.

J.B. Gill has developed an interest in farming.

Ahead of their farewell tour they are also playing several festivals across the UK in June, July and August.

Khloe Kardashian has been fired as a host on the X Factor after just one season, following a disappointing reception.

“They are asking Mario [Lopez] to come back, but not Khloe,” an insider confirmed to theNew York Post.

A spokesperson for the X Factor refused to confirm the report, instead stating simply: “The producers have not yet made the talent decisions for this year.”

Despite her wide popularity as a star on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Khloe Kardashian came to the X Factor with no hosting experience.

Her lack of training showed as she occasionally appeared nervous and unsure of how to act in front of the cameras.

The live show format was challenging for an inexperienced host, meaning links could not be re-recorded and Khloe Kardashian’s comments were out unedited.

Even Khloe Kardashian admitted it wasn’t easy.

“Just learning how there’s a screaming audience and you don’t yell because the mic is right there,” she explained.

“I will have an earpiece in my ear, and while I’m trying to read the teleprompter then I have someone counting down and they’re like, <<Okay, ask Simon this or that>>.

“There were so just so many pieces I never knew were involved in live TV.

“I do feel like through every show I got better and better, but my first week I literally was like, <<I am going to die. I want to fake a heart attack>>.”

The decision by X Factor bosses to not renew Khloe Kardashian’s contract will be a blow to the Kardashian family, who had turned out in force to support her.

Khloe Kardashian has been fired as a host on the X Factor after just one season, following a disappointing reception

The extended family, including sisters Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, had been regulars in the audience, with Kim’s superstar boyfriend Kanye West even making an appearance.

Despite her warm personality the 28-year-old was criticized for being overly loud, and her well-meaning but occasionally ill judged comments left viewers cringing.

Khloe Kardashian previously revealed she was asked not to take any hosting lessons before she started, leaving her unprepared for what to expect.

She added: “I’ve never done live TV before, and I was asked to not do any hosting lessons because they wanted me to be just myself. I found the day before because the stage was just built, that I couldn’t read the teleprompter without glasses, so I had to get contacts the day before.”

But Khloe Kardashian’s lack of experience could not be overcome, with even her fashion choices raising eyebrows.

On her very first show Khloe Kardashian caused a Twitter storm in a sheer blouse that exposed her nipples under the harsh studio lighting.

Even Simon Cowell remarked on the error, tweeting: “I think the air conditioning is on high tonight looking at khloe.”

On another occasion Khloe Kardashian perched herself on Simon Cowell’s lap and asked if he felt “excited”, missing the mark on the family show.

Britney Spears has left The X Factor USA after just one season, as it has been claimed show boss Simon Cowell was about to fire her for being “boring”.

Britney Spears, 31, jumped before she was pushed as Simon Cowell, 53, made plans to terminate her $15 million contract after her judging style on the show had been heavily criticized, sources close to the show confirmed.

A source close to production explained: “Britney and her team knew it was unlikely she’d be asked back as a judge.

“The producers have already been making other plans for next season over the holidays.

“The reality is that toward the end of last season the main players knew they wanted to replace both Britney and LA Reid. LA Reid wasn’t at the top of his game in second season and he knew that.”

Britney Spears’ judging was heavily criticized throughout the last season, with critics dubbing her “boring”.

And show insiders complained that she insisted on having breaks every few contestants during auditions and was often unengaged in the whole process.

It was felt Britney Spears didn’t connect with her contestants, despite being employed to mentor them. Insiders complained that she would barely look at them on stage during the live round of the show.

“Most people didn’t expect Britney to make it through the season as its a demanding role but she did her best,” said a source.

Although the mother-of-two only lasted on the judges panel for one season it was an incredibly lucrative one.

Britney Spears has left The X Factor USA after just one season, as it has been claimed Simon Cowell was about to fire her for being boring

A previous report in Us Weekly pointed out that her $15 milllion contract had a lot to do with Simon Cowell’s decision, with one insider telling the publication: “They paid all that for her to say <<amazing>> and offer half-claps.”

At one time Simon Cowell had intimated to E! that he’d have Britney Spears back despite telling them he’s “pro change”, he said: “I don’t know yet, to be honest with you. I haven’t had the conversation with her whether she’d want to, what other commitments she’s got.”

Fellow judge L.A. Reid – a long-standing judge – already announced his departure to focus on his record label.

Midas-alike Simon Cowell has struggled to repeat the success of the smash hit British show since it debuted across the Atlantic in the autumn of 2011.

Katie Waissel has allegedly split from her husband Brad Alphonso – after just two months of marriage.

Former X Factor contestant wed the male model after a whirlwind two-month romance during a secret ceremony in September.

Katie Waissel, 26, has now reportedly called the relationship off, ending it at the start of December

The Sunday People claims Katie Waissel chose to end the relationship after realizing he wasn’t right for her.

A source told the publication: “Katie did fall head over heels for Brad but it was all too rushed. It soon became clear it wasn’t going to work and she got fed up with him.”

The source added: “It was a brave thing for her to do, but she’s a strong woman who knows what she wants.”

Katie Waissel has allegedly split from her husband Brad Alphonso, after just two months of marriage

The couple only wed 10 weeks ago and had only been dating for 16 weeks before the nuptials.

Katie Waissel was spotted jetting into Los Angeles, where she now resides, on Saturday minus her wedding ring. Although her heart shaped tattoo which matches Brad’s was still noticeable on her wedding finger.

Katie Waissel, who rose to fame as one of the most hated contestants on The X Factor under Cheryl Cole’s mentorship in 2010, was quick to tweet a picture of her happy day after they became man and wife in September.

She wrote alongside the photo: “So excited I couldn’t help it,candid friend shot #mostamazingdayofourlives yey! Hehe I’m still blushing! @Brad_Alphonso.”

Afterwards she joked about the incident on her Twitter account, saying: “I think I had a little nip action earlier. LOL.”

But Judge Simon Cowell certainly took note, immediately taking to his own account to make a crude joke about the incident.

“I think the air conditioning is on high tonight looking at khloe,” Simon Cowell wrote on the social networking site.

Khloe Kardashian started off X Factor shows with a bang exposing her nipple

The exposure also caused an social-networking sensation, with several users tweeting up a storm about the incident.

“Just turned on the X Factor… why is Khloe Kardashian’s nipple staring at me. I don’t like it,” one user wrote.

“Who can concentrate on the singing when Khloe’s nipple keeps distracting me?!” another one Tweeted.

But Khloe Kardashian’s hosting skills did not receive as much positive publicity as her nipple.

The Washington Post wrote: “Odom came across like the novice she is, shouting her lines despite the mic clutched in her hand and making awkward small talk with contestants and judge and executive producer Simon Cowell.”

And it added: “Odom sounded like an oddly flirtatious schoolgirl as she introduced Cowell as <<Mr. Sexy>>.”

It is unknown whether Khloe Kardashian was aware that her blouse was so sheer that her modesty would be exposed.

But Simon Cowell will no doubt be delighted at all the extra publicity his struggling show is getting off the back of the incident.

And it is not the first time she has bared her nipple on live television either.

For in June last year Khloe Kardashian highlighted the perils of fashion on the Live with Regis & Kelly show when she accidentally exposed her breast for six minutes, live on the daytime TV program.

Busily promoting the news series of her show Keeping Up With The Kardashians she was unaware that her left nipple was on full view, beneath a transparent panel on her blouse.

Unfortunately for Khloe Kardashian, her hosts on the show Fox And Friends were so interested in her and sister Kourtney that non noticed her mistake.

Her fans were quick to tell her, however.

One tweeted: “Your nipple was showing on Fox and Friends. See through tops.”

Pink impersonator Zoe Alexander took the rejection a little too personally, resulting in what turned out to be the most shocking audition ever to take place on The X Factor.

While the scenes were filmed earlier this year, Zoe Alexander’s audition was seen for the first time on last night’s premiere episode of the new series of UK’s X Factor – showing the full extent of the foul-mouthed rant which saw Welsh singer Zoe arrested.

Things started well for Zoe Alexander, who looked confident and poised as she made her way onto the stage to perform in front of the judges, Tulisa Contostavlos, Nicole Scherzinger, Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh.

With her blonde hair shaved on one side, and wearing a pair of stomach-baring PVC leggings with a tied shirt and bra top, there was no question of which singer Zoe Alexander was attempting to impersonate.

However, despite assuring the judges that she wanted to use The X Factor as a way to establish her own identity, Zoe Alexander then proceeded to sing a Pink song, belting out her hit track So What to the visible disappointment of the judges and the audience.

Sensing the performance wasn’t going too well, Gary Barlow stopped the audition, telling Zoe Alexander she should try again with a different song.

Pink impersonator Zoe Alexander took the rejection a little too personally, resulting in what turned out to be the most shocking audition ever to take place on The X Factor

Zoe Alexander then attempted to perform Emeli Sande’s Next To Me, but once again failed to impress.

As she awaited comments from the judges, Zoe Alexander was told by Tulisa Contostavlos that she shouldn’t have opted to sing a Pink song in the first place if she was trying to step away from her alter-ego.

She told Zoe Alexander: “Okay see the problem is, you came out saying that you wanted to find your own identity, it’s very confusing for me because I did feel like I was watching a Pink tribute act.”

However, Zoe Alexander then alleged that she had been told to sing a Pink track by the four judges – a claim Tulisa Contostavlos strenuously denied.

After receiving four “No” from the judges, Zoe Alexander then decided to exert her frustration by storming off the stage – throwing her microphone in a fit of anger in the process.

She was also seen taking out her anger on a waiting cameraman – grabbing the camera and knocking it to the floor.

But as she made her way off the stage, Zoe Alexander was met by her father – who works as a Tom Jones impersonator – who then dragged her back in front of the judges in a bid to plead her case.

Following a failed attempt to reason with the panel, Zoe Alexander ended up screaming profanities at the judges, much to the shock of the four judges.

She was then seen running off the stage, screaming and swearing while doing so, before she was met by her family, who attempted to comfort the visibly agitated singer.

After the audition, Zoe Alexander was arrested and cautioned for hitting a producer.

However, since then, Zoe Alexander has maintained that she was “stitched up” to make a better scene for X Factor viewers.

Zoe Alexander told the Sunday Mirror today: “They set out to make a total and utter fool of me. Even though this audition was in June, I’m still struggling to come to terms with what happened.

“I used to be so confident and I trusted people. Now I just don’t trust anyone. I can hardly sleep – I’m basically a nervous wreck.”

However, a show official told the paper that Zoe Alexander wasn’t made to sing the Pink song, adding: “Contestants are not told what to sing, they make their own decisions.”

The rocker said he thought “long” and “hard” about whether to continue but said the time was right to return to his “first love”, his band.

“I’ve decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress American Idol before she boils my rabbit.

“I strayed from my first love, Aerosmith, and I’m back – but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I’ve got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band.”

Steven Tyler has announced he is quitting American Idol show to concentrate on his band

Aerosmith is on a nationwide tour with Steven Tyler and has an album due out in the autumn.

Based on the UK show Pop Idol, American Idol first aired in 2002 and quickly became a major success, transforming music hopefuls such as Jennifer Hudson into stars.

By 2005 it had become the biggest show on US television.

However it has struggled to keep viewers hooked since the departure of Simon Cowell in 2010 to launch American X-Factor, which aired for the first time last year.

The season 11 finale drew 21.5 million viewers – a record low – and ended the season at No. 2 in the ratings, with an average 20 million viewers for the mid-week shows.

There is now a question mark over whether Jennifer Lopez will return for the 12th season, despite a contract worth a reported $12 million and the show’s undoubted boost to her career.

Speaking to the Press Association after Steven Tyler’s announcement, Jennifer Lopez said she was saddened to hear that he was leaving and was weighing up her own decision.

“I can’t even imagine anyone else there right now because I’ve just spent two years sitting next to him,” she said.

“I love Steven, and we became close during that time. We were a great support for each other, on an adventure that neither one of us knew what it was going to be. So it’s hard to hear that he won’t be doing it.”

Jennifer Lopez has already indicated that there is a strong likelihood that she will not return.

“All hope is never lost – not all hope – but at the same time, there are too many things that I need to think about,” she said.

Speculation about potential new panelists has focused on Mariah Carey, with former Idol runner-up Adam Lambert a popular choice among fans.

Commenting on Steven Tyler’s departure, Mark Darnell at Fox, said: “We are very sad that Steven has chosen to focus more on his music, but we always knew when we hired a rock ‘n’ roll legend, he would go back to music.”

New reports claim that Britney Spears has rejected a $10 million offer to join the next autumn’ season of The X Factor.

Britney Spears allegedly rejected that offer three weeks ago and is instead thinking about an offer to become a resident performer at a Las Vegas hotel like Celine Dion.

It appears that Britney Spears’ camp want $20 million for her to do the job.

A spokeswoman for The X Factor refused to confirm or comment on the speculation.

TV executives at Fox have previously declined to comment on the matter, but insiders say Britney Spears is keen to join the hit show in theory.

There are two vacant spaces to fill alongside Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid after Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger were fired.

Sources have told Us Weekly and Sunday World that Britney Spears has her eye on the job.

Britney Spears has rejected a $10 million offer to join the next autumn’ season of The X Factor

One insider close to newly-engaged Britney Spears told Sunday World: “The timing is perfect. Brit would love to connect with fans on a weekly basis and loves working on TV after several guest appearances on the sitcom How I Met Your Mother.”

Almost 10,000 fans have voted for Britney Spears to appear as a judge on fansite breathheavy.com.

Back in 2008 Britney Spears performed Womanizer on the British version of X Factor – but was heavily criticized for miming.

Fox has still not confirmed who is to replace Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul.

While an appearance by Britney Spears is looking more and more likely, Janet Jackson has declined a potential offer to sit beside Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid on the panel.

British judge and Simon Cowell cohort, Louis Walsh also confirmed that the iconic star was in talks to join the team.

Janet Jackson, 45, told Insider.com that she is “very flattered that X Factor let me know that I was being considered for next season, but it just wouldn’t be possible”.

The singer said that the move would be “unrealistic” as she is already committed to her Number Ones Up Close and Personal Tour.

A representative for Janet Jackson added: “There have been absolutely no meetings between Janet and anyone with regard to X Factor.”

However, in the wake of Whitney Houston’s death, Simon Cowell revealed he had been considering her for a role on the judging panel.

Another name rumored was Beyonce.

But Simon Cowell publicly refuted reports he was offering Beyonce $500 million to sign a five year contract.

Simon Cowell told Extra the budget for the show is $100 million a year and said he would never dream of paying anyone that much money.

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